Getting your kids passports can be a daunting task…

but needed if you are wanting to leave the country with your children. Whether it be for vacation or visiting family here are the steps we took to get our 3 children their passports.

Where to start?

Application

• ALL children under the age of 16 must apply for a passport with 2 parents or guardians using the Form DS-11 at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html . The exception to this rule is if one parent is deceased or not available and information on that process is below.
• *** if 16yrs or 17yrs old, at least ONE of the parents must know that they are applying.
• Form DS-11 needs to be complete, but DO NOT sign until in front of an agent at a passport office.

When you take your application to a passport facility the following is needed with your application

1. Proof of Citizenship of the Child (Original or Certified Copy)
2. Born in the United States (ONE of the following needed)

-U.S Birth Certificate

-Fully valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)

-Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

-Certification of Birth Abroad

1. Born outside of United States
2. Claiming citizenship through naturalization (ALL of the following needed)

-The child’s parents’ certificate of naturalization

-The child’s parents marriage certificate

-Childs’ foreign birth certificate

-Evidence of admission to U.S for legal permanent residence

2. Claiming citizenship to at least ONE citizen parent (ALL evidence needed)

-Certification of birth (use DS-1350 or FS-545)

-Consular Report of Birth Abroad

 -Parents proof of U.S citizenship

-Affidavit showing parents place of residency before your birth

3. Claiming citizenship through adoption by U.S citizen

 -Permanent residence tatus

-Full and final adoption

-Children in legal custody of their parents

-Child has resided in U.S (Birthdate on or after Oct 5^th 1978)

 

2. Proof of Identity of Parents (One of the following)

-Drivers’ License (not temporary or learners’ permit)

-Current Passport

-Military ID

-Federal, State, City government employee ID

-Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

 

3. Recent Color Photo of Child

-2X2 Color Photo

-Taken less than 6 months ago

-Can be taken at an acceptance facility or a CVS for example

-Head must be 1-1 3/8^th from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

-Head must face the camera directly with full face in view

-No glasses or head covering (unless medically or religious exemption granted)

-Printed on matte or glossy photo paper

-Use a plain white or off-white background

 

4. Proof of Parental Relationship

• Both parents

 -present and evidence of both parents’ birth certificates.

-Original parent/guardian government issued photo ID and photocopy of Driver’s license or passport)

• If Only one parent can appear

-2^nd parent’s notarized written statement or DS-3053 form consenting. (Statement cannot be more than 3 months old.

-2^nd parent’s death certificate

-Evidence of sole custody (birth certificate listing only one parent)

-Written statement stating why the 2^nd parent cannot be reached.

• If 16yrs or 17yrs old, child must have proof of parental awareness by having parents present or a written note.

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Fees

• Non-refundable
• $100 (Application fee)
• $35 (Acceptance fee)

Where to go?

Acceptance Facilities

• Most places take appointments only. Some places take walk-ins only.
• Visit  https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ Passport Acceptance Facility page and find the closest to you.
• Some facilities may have the option where they will take the picture. (That’s what we did so there were no hiccups)\

Below are the facilities located within a 25mile radius of Charlotte, NC:

Facility Name	Street Address	City	State	ZIP Code	Public Phone
SOUTH PROVIDENCE CHARLOTTE USPS	11035 GOLF LINKS DRIVE	CHARLOTTE	NC	28277	7048140927
MATTHEWS POST OFFICE	301 E JOHN ST	MATTHEWS	NC	28105	7048476063
CITY OF CHARLOTTE PPT ACCEPTANCE FACILITY	600 E 4TH STREET, 700A	CHARLOTTE	NC	28202	7043367928
YORK COUNTY CLERK OF COURT	933 HECKLE BLVD, STE 101	ROCK HILL	SC	29732	8039091892
CHARLOTTE PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE FACILITY	1820 HARRIS HOUSTON RD	CHARLOTTE	NC	28262	7047172713
UNION STATION – UNC CHARLOTTE	8845 CRAVER RD	CHARLOTTE	NC	28223	7046875803
TOWN OF HARRISBURG	4100 MAIN ST	HARRISBURG	NC	28075	7044555614
UNION COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS	500 NORTH MAIN STREET STE 239	MONROE	NC	28112	7042820216
LANCASTER COUNTY SC	101 N. MAIN ST.	LANCASTER	SC	29720	8034169432

 

*Lancaster and Rock Hill site do not have photo capabilities on site.

Things to remember/Tips

1. The processing and arrival of your child’s passport may take 10-13 weeks, so plan in advance when traveling abroad.
2. You can expedite your passport and get it in 7-9 weeks for an extra $60. (My husband and I did this a couple years back.)
3. You can get your photo done at a CVS, Walgreens, or UPS if the service is available.
4. The difference between Passport Book and Passport card is the book is valid for international travel by air, land and sea. The card is NOT valid for international AIR travel. Only at land border crossings and seaports.
5. You may receive your newly issued passport and your evidence of citizenship in TWO separate mailings. Photo copies will not be returned.
6. You may track the status of your application online
7. Eyes must be open in photo; infants are the exception.
8. No smiling, neutral facial expression.
9. Babies will lay on a white sheet, or cover car seat with plain white sheet.